Church of St Aeddan, Bettws Newydd facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Church of St Aeddan
Lua error in Module:Location_map at line 420: attempt to index field 'wikibase' (a nil value).
Location	Bettws Newydd, Monmouthshire
Country	Wales
Denomination	Church in Wales
History
Status	Parish church
Founded	C15th century
Architecture
Functional status	Active
Heritage designation	Grade I
Designated	9 January 1956
Architectural type	Church
Administration
Parish	Heart of Monmouthshire Ministry Area
Deanery	Raglan/Usk
Archdeaconry	Monmouth
Diocese	Monmouth

The Church of St Aeddan is a very old church. It is located in Bettws Newydd, a village in Monmouthshire, Wales. The church building you see today was mostly built in the 1400s. However, parts of it are even older, dating back to the 1100s!

This church is special because it has a rare and beautiful rood screen. It is also a Grade I listed building, which means it is a very important historic place. The Church of St Aeddan is still an active parish church today. It serves the local community in the Heart of Monmouthshire Ministry Area.

History and Special Features

How Old is the Church?

The Church of St Aeddan began its life in the 1100s. The main building we see now was built during the medieval period, around the 1400s. The church was repaired and updated in 1872.

Storm Damage and Repairs

In 2020, a big storm called Storm Dennis caused problems. The storm badly damaged the church's roof. Water got inside the building. This meant the church had to close for a while.

Luckily, help came from the National Churches Trust and the Wolfson Foundation. They gave money to fix the roof. The church was fully repaired and reopened in 2024.

The Amazing Rood Screen

Inside the church, you will find something truly amazing. It is called a "rood arrangement." This includes a rood screen, a loft, and a tympanum. A rood screen is a decorative wooden screen that used to separate the main part of the church from the altar area. The loft is a small platform above the screen. A tympanum is a decorated space above a doorway or arch.

Experts say this rood arrangement is one of the most complete in all of England and Wales. The Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Wales thinks it is "most remarkable." They believe it is probably unique in the whole of the British Isles!

Important Historic Building

Because of its age and special features, the church is a Grade I listed building. This is the highest level of protection for historic buildings in the UK. It means the church is very important and must be carefully preserved.

Churchyard and Yew Trees

The Church of St Aeddan is still a busy parish church. It is part of the Heart of Monmouthshire Ministry. In the churchyard, you can see three very old yew trees. These trees have been there for many, many years.

Gallery